The TED Interview

David Deutsch on the infinite reach of knowledge

It can be easy to believe that humans are insignificant. We’re specks of dust on a random planet in a vast universe. Less powerful than elephants. Fewer than ants. But David Deutsch believes that’s all beside the point, because humans possess one unique skill: attaining knowledge. David Deutsch – Oxford professor, father of quantum computing, recluse – convinced Chris years ago to take over leadership of TED with his ideas about knowledge. In this mind-bending conversation, the two dive into his theory that the potential reach of knowledge is infinite. They explore how knowledge first developed, why it sets us apart and what all of these heady concepts really mean for our present and future. To find out more about TED, please visit TED.com. Find the transcript at:<a href="http://go.ted.com/interviewgilbert" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="go.ted.com/interviewgilbert"> </a><a href="http://go.ted.com/interviewdeutsch" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">go.ted.com/interviewdeutsch</a> Hosted on Acast. See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color:grey;" target="_blank">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

To get a free copy of the Infectious Generosity book, visit <a href="http://ted.com/generosity" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ted.com/generosity</a> Sit down with Head of TED Chris Anderson as he interviews leading thinkers and creators from around the world. The TED Interview is a space for guests to further delve into their groundbreaking work, give us a peek into how they discover and explore fascinating ideas, and, in some cases, even defend their thinking. This season, we’re looking at Infectious Generosity.Generosity is at the heart of being human. It's how we've co-operated, innovated and grown as a civilization. Following <a href="https://www.infectiousgenerosity.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Chris’s book of the same name</a>, this podcast will dive into the idea that through the power of the internet, small acts of thoughtfulness spread to change lives at a scale never experienced before. Welcome to your front-row seat to great conversations with the world’s brightest minds.And in the spirit of the Infectious Generosity, listeners can receive a free copy of Chris’s book in e-book or audio format. Just visit <a href="http://ted.com/generosity" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ted.com/generosity</a> and fill out the short form to receive yours. Hosted on Acast. See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color:grey;" target="_blank">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.